This book, set in the 1940s, follows young protagonist Pru Burbidge and her impoverished family. When her mother passes away and her father abandons them, Pru becomes the main caretaker of her siblings. Together they must find a way to secretly care for each other so they’re not sent away to separate foster homes. They exert every effort to conceal the death of their mother, but soon their resources begin to dwindle and the situation becomes dire. Readers come along as the siblings navigate the hardships and learn valuable lessons.

The author beautifully weaves threads of the past and present giving readers glimpses into memorable moments in Pru’s life. The characters were wildly different, and I liked seeing the contrast of their behaviours. However, despite their differences, they worked well together. I felt the writing style made it a very easy read. I originally thought that this historical fiction book was for middle-grade readers, and was surprised to discover that it was intended as a YA read. I thought the writing lacked a certain level of depth, so younger readers would enjoy this book the most.

This book had some dark themes, such as gun use, abandonment, death etc, which may be triggering to some readers. However, this coming-of-age story highlighted the importance of trust, family bonds, and responsibility. Readers develop an emotional connection to Pru, through witnessing the heartache endured. As the primary caregiver, she had to grow up fast and learn to be the pillar of strength for her siblings. I wish the book was longer and showcased more of the character’s development.

I loved the way that nature was portrayed in this book. The setting of rural Nova Scotia was well-described. Additionally, the essence of nature that was skillfully used in the past for healing was well-showcased in the book. As the title implies, this book was bittersweet! This heartwrenching read will leave you longing for more. I recommend this book to younger readers looking for a heartbreaking yet endearing read.